Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon takes over Hwy. 90

More than 3,300 people turned out for the weekend event. (Photo source: WLOX)

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -

Sunday was busy day on Highway 90, as thousands of runners ran from one end of the Coast to the other in a brand new event.

The inaugural Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon spanned just more than 26 miles from Pass Christian to Biloxi.

"I'm racing because it's exciting. I love to run these marathons, and was always looking to run the Gulf Coast. Once they came up with this idea of running from Pass Christian to Biloxi, I was all in," said Brian Hendley.

However, one group of runners was there for a different reason.

"We are representing Avery's Army, which is trying to reach a cure for Retts syndrome for a little girl that we run the race for. We do all the races over multiple states and try to raise awareness for Rhett's syndrome," said Stephen Campbell.

Although the race is a locally organized event, it brings in people from a variety of places. Hendley and his friends ran to end the year off with a bang.

Thompson High School junior Gabe Hixenbaugh captured the fourth state wrestling championship of his prep career Saturday to spark Thompson High School to the Class 7A state wrestling title at the 63rd AHSAA State Championships held at the Von Braun Center. The Warriors of Coach Sean Weltzin totaled 120 poi